A characteristic feature of the nature of Russia is a huge amount, and an exceptional variety of lakes. According to the Big Russian Encyclopedia the total number of lakes in Russia exceeds 2.7 million; the total area (excluding the Caspian Sea) is more than 400 thousand square kilometers.

In the most part (about 98%) the lakes have small area (less than 1 square kilometer) and a depth of 1-1.5 meters. Large lakes are relatively few. There are about 140 lakes in Russia with an area of over 100 square kilometers, and only 9 lakes with an area of more than 1000 square kilometers.

Tags: Russian lakes

Elbrus is a stratovolcano in the Caucasus (on the border of the republics of Kabardino-Balkaria and Karachay-Cherkessia). Elbrus is located north of the Greater Caucasus Mountain Range and is the highest peak in Russia. Also because the border between Europe and Asia is controversial, Mount Elbrus can also be the highest peak in Europe.

Elbrus is a saddle-shaped volcano with a two peaks. Western peak has an elevation of 5642 meters, Eastern – 5621 meters. The peaks are connected by a saddle (5200 meters), the distance between peaks is about 3 kilometers. By climbing classification Elbrus has rating 2A (snow and ice), climbing to the top of two peaks – 2B. Photos by Oleg Grigoryev.

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Tags: Elbrus · Kabardino-Balkaria Republic · Karachay-Cherkessia Republic

The Yakut horse (“sylgy” or “sakha ata” on Yakut language) is aboriginal breed of horses common in Yakutia. This breed of horses with long hair (8-15 cm) is the most frost-resistant. In winter it can feed on the grass from under the snow.

In Yakutia, the horses are living outdoors all year round (in summer the temperatures are up to +30 ° C and in winter down to -50 ° C).

They are often used as riding horses. Mare’s milk is used for the production of traditional national drink kumiss, and meat of the Yakut horse is considered a national dish and is listed as a delicacy.

Tags: Sakha Republic · the Yakut horse

Karelia Republic is a remarkably beautiful land of white nights, boundless forests, and blue lakes. Karelia is located on the border of Western and Eastern Europe, on the border of cultures and religions.

Severe beauty of Karelia Republic nature, the climate, not too favorable in these latitudes, the coexistence and intermingling of various peoples inhabiting this land for centuries, all that conditioned the character of the people living here: very laconic, self-assured, contemplative, and tolerant people.

Tags: Karelia Republic

Pyatigorsk (“the city of five mountains”) is the oldest balneological and mud resort of Russia and the largest cultural and tourist center of eco-resort region Caucasian Mineral Waters.

On January 19, 2010 Pyatigorsk received the status of the center of North Caucasus Federal District. It is the only center of the federal district not being the capital of the subject of the federation. Photos by timag82. Click the photos for high resolution versions.

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Tags: mountains · Pyatigorsk city

Saratov region (oblast) is located in the southeastern part of European Russia. Main river of the region is Volga dividing the region into two parts.

Saratov oblast is traditionally an agricultural region. The oblast is the 10th among Russian regions in the amount of agricultural product. The specific feature of the region is a great number of farmers having lands under crops.

The following video showing the beautiful nature of Saratov region was made by Anton Starikov.

Tags: landscapes · Saratov oblast

“Nalychevo” is a nature park on the Kamchatka Peninsula (Kamchatka krai) created in 1995. The total area of the park is about 287 thousand hectares.

The park is located in the valley of Nalycheva River and is bounded by the chain of volcanoes. On the territory of the park there are a lot of hot and cold mineral springs with medicinal properties. Photos by Ilya Stepanov.

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Tags: Kamchatka krai · Nalychevo · nature park · Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky city

Stavropol region is a land of natural contrasts. The vast plains and semi deserts lie in the eastern and north-eastern areas. Famous Stavropol fertile steppes are located in the west and north-west.

Stavropol krai has highly developed agriculture. High-quality wheat, grapes, fruits, vegetables and melons are grown there. Also the region produces meat, milk and wool. Stavropol krai is also known for its hydrothermal waters, mineral springs and mud baths. The mild climate, comfortable resorts and unique natural beauty attract a lot of tourists. Photos by Dmitry Mordolff.

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Tags: landscapes · Stavropol krai

The source of the Volga is a monument of nature, unique natural object located in Ostashkov area of Tver oblast in the village Volgoverkhovye about 68 km from Ostashkov town.

The village itself is very small, most houses are abandoned. It is prohibited to drive the car on the territory of the village. Next to the Source you can buy souvenirs, though usually there are not a lot of vendors, as well as tourists. Photos by Alexander Lipilin.

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Tags: Tver oblast · Volga River

The Valley of Geysers is one of the largest geyser fields in the world and the only one in Eurasia. It is located in Kamchatka on the territory of Kronotsky State Biosphere Reserve. The Valley of Geysers is one of the seven wonders of Russia.

Kronotsky State Biosphere Reserve is one of the oldest reserves in Russia established in 1934. The reserve covers an area of 1,142,134 hectares (11,421 sq. km.) including 135,000 hectares (1,350 sq. km.) of sea area of the eastern coast of Kamchatka.

There are 12 active volcanoes (including Kronotsky volcano, height – 3,528 m), numerous thermal lakes, geysers and waterfalls on the territory of the reserve. Video by Dmitry Shpilenok.

Tags: Kamchatka krai · Kronotsky reserve · Valley of Geysers